Aztec's syrup is new sugar alternative

A honey-like syrup held sacred by the Aztecs is being hailed as the new healthy alternative to sugar.

Agave Nectar, which comes from the same cactus-like plant as the drink tequila, is nearly a third sweeter than normal table sugar.

But the natural liquid sweetener, known to native Mexicans as the ''nectar of the Gods", can help cut calorie intake and reduce sugar cravings.

The nectar looks and tastes like honey and can dissolve in hot and cold drinks. It can also be used in baking and can be added to food.

Nutrition experts say it is healthier than sugar because it has a very low Glycaemic Index (GI) value.

This means that sweet-toothed consumers will not experience the extreme energy high and lows commonly associated with sugar rushes.

The GI index rates foods on a scale of one to 100 according to how quickly they break down from carbohydrate to sugar in the bloodstream.

The higher the score, the greater the sugar rush the food will give you, which is both unhealthy and unsatisfying.

Foods with a low GI burn energy more slowly, and keep the blood sugar levels more balanced.

While regular table sugar has a GI value of 68, and honey a GI of 55, the value of Agave Nectar is between 11 and 19.

Unlike sugar and other artificial sweeteners, it contains naturally high levels of fruit sugar, also known as fructose.

Fructose is a slow-release carbohydrate which is absorbed much slower into the body and does not need a lot of insulin - the chemical that triggers our sugary 'highs and 'lows' - to break it down.

The sweetener therefore raises blood-sugar levels gently, keeping sugar cravings at bay and helps people to burn , rather than store, fat.

Because it tastes a lot sweeter than sugar or honey, consumers also do not need to use as much and can therefore cut their calorie intake.

Bottles of the sugar substitute cost £2.95 and will be available in Tesco stores across the UK from next week.

David Cooke, wholefoods buyer at the supermarket said: "Agave nectar is the answer to the prayers of millions of people who need to cut down on their sugar intake.

"What makes it so special is that unlike other sweeteners it helps keep the body's blood sugar levels balanced which can help our moods remain constant.

"Unfortunately with sugar and other sweeteners we get an initial short energy rush which is quickly followed by a crashing low when the effect wears off."

The sweetener will be available in two kinds. The mild version is filtered for longer and is runnier than honey and is best for adding to hot and cold food, stirring into drinks and for use in baking.

The rich version has a darker maple syrup-like flavour and is better suited for cooking.

The sweetener is derived from the milky white juice of a spiky cactus-type plant called the Blue Weber Agave.

The name 'agave' is derived from the Greek word for noble. There are 136 species of agave in Mexico, of which the blue agave is the only one allowed for use in tequila production and to make the syrup.

The blue agave nectar is known by the natives of Mexico as 'honey water'. It was used by the Aztecs in their religious ceremonies.

Nutrition expert Dr Barbara Wilson, a member of the British Nutrition Society said: "As Agave Nectar is a natural product, using less will help people manage their calorie intake.

"It's versatile and so doesn't have the problems of unpleasant aftertaste associated with artificial sweeteners."